How Many Spectral Lines are Produced During Electron Transitions in Hydrogen?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of spectral lines produced during electron transitions in hydrogen. Participants explore the relationship between electron jumps between energy levels and the resulting spectral lines, referencing a specific formula for determining the number of lines based on these transitions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the number of spectral lines corresponds to the jumps of an electron from one shell to another and questions the application of a formula that suggests a different number of transitions.
  • The formula presented is {(n1-n2)(n1-n2+1)}/2, which is used to calculate the number of spectral lines for transitions from energy level n1 to n2.
  • Another participant points out that there is a third transition possible from the 3rd shell to the 2nd shell, which was initially overlooked.
  • There is a suggestion to visualize the transitions using a diagram to clarify the possible jumps between the energy levels.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial analysis of the transitions. While some agree that the formula is correct, there is contention regarding the identification of all possible transitions.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the correct application of the formula and the identification of all transitions, indicating a need for clearer understanding of the transitions involved.

vkash
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no of line in line spectrum is equal to jumps of electron from one shell to another. Am i correct.

IN my book it is written that if a electron in hydrogen jumps from n1 to n2 then number of spectral lines is given by formula {(n1-n2)(n1-n2+1}/2. so consider a electron jump from 4th shell to 2nd shell then number of kinds of jump can be (1) 4th to 3rd,(2) 4th to 2nd So there are only two jumps. but if we apply formula then it will come out to be 3. So where i or formula is wrong.
thanks for any kind of help.
 
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vkash said:
no of line in line spectrum is equal to jumps of electron from one shell to another. Am i correct.

IN my book it is written that if a electron in hydrogen jumps from n1 to n2 then number of spectral lines is given by formula {(n1-n2)(n1-n2+1}/2. so consider a electron jump from 4th shell to 2nd shell then number of kinds of jump can be (1) 4th to 3rd,(2) 4th to 2nd So there are only two jumps. but if we apply formula then it will come out to be 3. So where i or formula is wrong.
thanks for any kind of help.

what about 3rd to 2nd?
 
SpectraCat said:
what about 3rd to 2nd?

dear 4th 3rd and 2nd represent the energy level of hydrogen atom n1 and n2 represent the given energy level. Do you got it.
 
vkash said:
dear 4th 3rd and 2nd represent the energy level of hydrogen atom n1 and n2 represent the given energy level. Do you got it.

Yes, "I got it". You asked what the "third" transition was that is possible in the manifold of levels including 4,3, and 2. I told you the answer. The formula is correct, you just missed a transition with your initial analysis.
 
SpectraCat said:
Yes, "I got it". You asked what the "third" transition was that is possible in the manifold of levels including 4,3, and 2. I told you the answer. The formula is correct, you just missed a transition with your initial analysis.
what's that transition is that 3rd to 2nd. other transitions are already mentioned above.
 
vkash said:
what's that transition is that 3rd to 2nd. other transitions are already mentioned above.

Do you understand what you already wrote? I mean from the 3rd shell to the 2nd shell. Just like you "already mentioned" 4th shell to 3rd shell, and 4th shell to 2nd shell.

Draw yourself a picture, using stacked horizontal lines to represent the states (2, 3 and 4), and downward arrows to represent the transitions. You should see that there are 3 possibilities almost immediately.
 

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